Writing Excuses Writing Excuses 8.27: Chapter Breakdowns
Jul 7, 2013
The hosts discuss chapter breakdowns and point of view interspersing, switching between different points of view, creating chapter breakdowns and outlining scenes, and their approach to breaking down chapters and writing multiple main characters.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Return Often To Your Protagonist
- Keep returning to your main character frequently to maintain reader focus and momentum.
- Avoid more than three chapters away from the protagonist unless those chapters add clear value.
Long POV Runs Feel Like Mini Novellas
- Long runs of one POV create mini-novellas that can feel like a complete book to readers.
- That satisfaction can make readers stop because they feel they've finished a story arc.
Manage The Cost Of POV Switches
- Recognize the cost of switching POVs because each switch resets reader investment and momentum.
- Use cliffhangers or stakes to prevent losing dramatic steam at POV breaks.